Explosive tool



May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR

EXPLOSIVE IOOL 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 17, 1964 INVENTOR. HENRY wwunn DEnLEgSB y M m v MW May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR

EXPLOSIVE TOOL Filed Jan. 17, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. HENQY wmmm Demuz 5R.

BYMIW'W May 26, 1970 v H. w. DEMLER, SR 3,513,884

EXPLOS IVE TOOL Filed Jan. 17, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet S May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR

EXPLOS IVE TOOL 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 17, 1964 INVENTOR HENRY wmmn Damsgsre. BY M )MM-G W May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR 3,513,834

V EXPLOSIVE TOOL Filed Jan. 17, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Wuuan Demegsa a? BY Mr May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR 3,513,384

EXPLOSIVE TOOL Filed Jan. 1'7, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR HENRY Human DENLERSR.

May 26, 1970 H. w. DEMLER, SR

EXPLOS IVE TOOL '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Jan. 17, 1964 INVENTOR. HENRY Mumn DEMLERfiR. y M M r United States Patent 3,513,884 EXPLOSIVE TOOL Henry William Demler, Sr., Lebanon, Pa., assiguor to AMP Incorporated, Harrisburg, Pa. Filed Jan. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 338,480 Int. C]. 13211? 15/06 U.S. Cl. 140-113 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A device for connecting a tap line to a main energized electrical power line comprises frame means having holding means for holding a connector means in which a section of the tap line is disposed, other holding means mounted on the frame means and spaced from the connector holding means for holding a wedge means, driving means for engaging the wedge means for driving the wedge means into the connector means, explosive means operatively connected to the driving means to drive same and pole means connected to the explosive means for raising the frame means to the level of the main power line so that the electrical connector means engages same and to actuate the explosive means.

This invention relates to a device for connecting electrical conductors together, especially when one of them is conducting electricity of high voltage.

In the electric utility field, it has become increasingly important to provide a device that can easily connect a tap line to an existing live utility or power line, and at the same time provide asecure connection therebetween.

The connection of a tap line to a main existing utility line is generally accomplished by an operator standing on the ground or on a truck bed and using a tool at the end of along insulated stick. One of the disadvantages of the tool used heretofore is that it weights too much, thereby making it diflicult to handle. Another disadvantage is that the tool does not make a secure connection between the main power line and the tap line.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device including a tool that can be easily handled by an operator, and hereinafter referred to as a hot stick tool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hot stick tool that is lightweight and of rugged construction.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hot-stick tool that can be easily operated.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a long stick on which the tool is mounted to raise same to the level of the existing power line, and which actuates the tool to interconnect the power and tap lines.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a hot-stick tool that is explosively-operated in order to effect the interconnection between the power and tap lines.

Other objects and attainments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention; it is to be understood, however, that this embodiment is not intended to be exhaustive nor limiting of the invention but is given for purposes of illustration and principles thereof and the manner of applying it in practical use so that they may modify it in various forms, each as may be best suited to the conditions of a particular use.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool according to the principles of the invention;

3,513,884 Patented May 26, 1970 FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c are, respectively, a part-plan view, a plan view, and a side view of parts of the tool;

FIG. 2 is a vertical, sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the tool in the prefired, set, firing and post-firing conditions respectively;

FIG. 8 is a front, elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an end view of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a rear, elevational view of FIG. 8.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown a device comprising a tool, including a body member B and a firing mechanism F at the end of a stick or pole member P.

Body member B comprises two fiat, pistol-shaped plate members, 1, 2, spaced from each other by spacer members 3, 4 and 5. The plate members and spacer members are held together by securing means 6 such as screws, nuts and bolts, or any other suitable securing means.

Plate members 1 and 2 are identical, and each includes a longitudinal slot 7 in the upper part thereof, and a substantially vertical slot 8 disposed below slot 7 contiguous the inner end thereof.

Recessed portions 9 are disposed in each plate member adjacent each side of and toward the forward end of slot 7. Adjacent each recessed portion 9 and rearwardly thereof are two small slots 10 parallel to slot 7.

The forward end of each plate member 1 and 2 is substantially trapezoidal and has an opening 11 therein of corresponding shape.

Spacer member 3 corresponds to the configuration of the forward ends of the plate members, and has a channel 12 facing plate member 1 and another similar channel 13 facing plate member 2. Extending outwardly from the sides of channel 12 (see FIG. 3) are projections 12' having the same thickness as plate member 1. These projections engage the forward and rearward sides of opening 11 in the forward end of plate member 1. Channel 13 has similar projections as that of channel 12 but need not be illustrated.

While the forward ends of plate members 1 and 2, the openings therein and spacer member 3 have a trapezoidal configuration, it is obvious that they can have other desirable configurations.

Extending outwardly from, and substantially normal to the ends of opening 11, are resilient finger members 11' which are adapted to engage the arcuate portions of a C-shaped connector body C disposed within opening 11 and channel 12, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Of course, any other means to hold the connector body in the tool can be utilized.

Spacer member 4 has an arcuate configuration, and spacer member 5 has an internally-threaded hole 5' therein.

Disposed between plate members 1 and 2 and pivotally connected thereto is a linkage system, or means L, adapted to be operated by firing mechanism F. Linkage system L includes a bifurcated member 14, a single link member 15 having one end pivotally connected to bifurcated member 14 by pivot pin 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-7, pivot pin 16 has extensions 16 disposed within vertical slots 8 of plate members 1 and 2. The other end of link member 15 is pivotally connected to each of one end of a double link arrangement 17 and 18 by pivot pin 19. Each link 17, 18 comprises two arms. The other ends of the arms of link 17 are pivotally connected to plate members 1 and 2 within the concave section of spacer member 4 by a pivot pin 20. The arms of link 17 are maintained, spaced apart, by a collar member 21 rotatably mounted on pivot pin 20. Washers 22 are also mounted on pivot pin 20 between the arms of link 17 and the inner surfaces of plate members 1 and 2. The other ends of the arms of link 18 are disposed in channels 23 of block member 24, and are pivotally connected thereto by a pivot pin 25.

Block member 24 has two diametrical projections 24' (only one is shown), and these are disposed and movable in longitudinal slots 7.

A wedge-holding means H is pivotally mounted on the outer surface of plate member 1. Wedge-holding means H comprises a plate element 26 having two arms 27 extending outwardly from one end. Each arm 27, as can be seen, has a portion 27' which is substantially normal to plate element 26 and another portion 27" extending substantially parallel to plate element 26. Arms 27 and plate element 26 define a resiient wedge holder to hold a wedge W therein, as shown in FIG. 4.

Portions 27' of arms 27 are secured to pivot elements 28, each of which has a pivot pin 28 extending outwardly from one surface thereof. Each pivot pin 28' is pivotally engaged in mounting members 29 which extend through slots 10, and are secured to mounting plates 30 which, in turn, are secured to the inside surface of plate member 1.

A driving member 31 is secured to a projection 24' of block member 24, and includes channels 32 disposed in the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Each channel 32 has an extension 32' at the forward end thereof, which is substantially normal thereto (see FIG. 1a). The forward end of driving member 31 has a projection 31' extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof.

Each pivot element 28, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 117, has a cam 28" extending outwardly therefrom opposite to that of pivot pin 28". When the driving member 31 is moved to its rearward position, cams 28" are disposed within channels 32 until they enter extensions 32' whereupon extensions 32' cause cams 28" to pivot the pivot elements 28 and the wedge holder to a position substanstantially normal to plate member 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. When driving member 31 is moved forwardly, extensions 32 cause earns 28'' to pivot the pivot elements 28 and the wedge holder to a position against the outside surface of plate member 1, as shown in FIGS. 7, and when in this position, portions 27" of arms 27 are disposed within recessed portions '9.

The firing mechanism F, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a barrel 33 having external threads which engage threads 5 of spacer member 5. The central section of barrel 33 contains a bore 34 in which is slidably mounted a plunger 35 having a pin 36 on the inner end thereof. The other end of plunger 35 is connected to or integral with bifurcated member 14.

Bore 34 has an enlarged section 34' which defines an abutment 34" therebetween. Enlarged section 34' accommodates an explosive shell S therein, which is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,007,409, and includes a cylindrical member 37 sealed at one end 38 and having a plug 39 seated therein. Plug 39 retains a powder charge 40 and also has a primer 41 on its outer surface. Firing pin 36 on the inner end of plunger 35 is adapted to detonate the primer 41, thereby igniting powder charge 40. Shell S has a shoulder 42 which seats on one end of barrel 33 to support it therein. The bottom of bifurcated member 14 engages the top of barrel 33 and acts as a stop means to limit the inward movement of plunger 35 within the shell S to thereby prevent accidental operation thereof.

A cap 43 is threaded over the end of barrel 33 and has a pin 44 on its inside surface which is adapted to puncture the sealed end 38 of the shell. A section 33 of barrel 33 and the outer surface of cap 43 can be knurled to permit the operator to grasp the barrel more easily.

As shown in FIG. 4 pole or stick means P includes a cap member 45 which fits over cap 43, and is secured thereon as by a set screw 46 or any other suitable means. A stick or pole 47 made preferably of insulating material such as wood, fiber glass or other suitable material, is connected to or integral with cap member 45. Stick 47 is used to raise the tool to the level of the power line, as well as to actuate the same.

A locking means M is mounted on the plate member 1 by an extension 20 of pivot pin 20, and securing means 6 of spacer member 4. Locking means M comprises a plate element 48 having an arcuate slot 49 disposed therein, through which securing means 6 extend so that plate element 48 can pivot about extension 20 and be secured at various positions thereby. A threaded member (not shown) extends outwardly and normally from plate element 48 below extension 20'. Another plate element 48' is mounted on the threaded member of plate element 48 via an aperture thereof. Each plate element 48, 48' has an inwardly-directed, recessed portion 50 in which the tap line C is disposed as shown in FIGS. 4-7.

A block element 51 is threadably mounted on the threaded member of plate element 48, and has a handle 52 pivotally mounted thereon. Handle 52 has cam means 52' which engage plate element 48' to cam same toward plate element 48 in order to lock the tap line TC therebetween as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. Plate element 48' has an inwardly directed projection 48 which engages plate element 48 to provide a more effective locking arrangement. As can be discerned, plate elements 48, 48 are adjustable to various positions via slot 49', extension 20 and securing means '6, and the locking distance between these plate elements is accomplished by block 51 and handle 52 being threada-bly positioned on the threaded member of plate element 48. Of course, other suitable locking means, other than that described hereinabove, can be readily utilized and need not be discussed.

Operation.-A connector body C is placed within opening 11 and channel 12 so that the forward side engages the forward projection 12 and resilient fingers 11 hold same in place. Barrel 33 is rotated until extension 16' is located at the bottom of slot 8 which places linkage means L in its inoperative position such that block member 24 is at the rear position in slot 7, thereby placing driving member 31 at its rear position. With driving member 31 in its rear position, wedge holding means H is moved to the position shown in FIG. 4 by extensions 32' acting on the cams 28 of pivot elements 28.

A wedge W is then placed between plate element 26 and portions 27". A tap line or conductor TC is placed within connector body C and locked within locking'means L. A shell S is placed within firing mechanism F and pole means P is mounted on the tool.

The tool is then raised to the level of the main conductor MC by pole means P, and connector body 0 is hooked thereover as shown in FIG. 4. Pole means P is then rotated to thereby cause =barrel 33 to move upwardly within spacer member 5 which also moves linkage means L therealong. Driving member 31 is moved forwardly which, in turn, moves wedge-holding means H into a position parallel to plate member 1 so that portions 27"are disposed within recessed portions 9 and wedge W is disposed between main conductor MC and tap conductor TC as shown in FIG. 5. Once wedge-holding means H has been moved into the position of FIG. 5, it is maintained therein by channels 32, and projection 31' engages wedge W to prevent the wedge from moving away from the driving member once it is free of the resilient wedge holder.

After the wedge-holding means has been moved into the position shown in FIG. 5, pole means P is rotated un til linkage means L moves driving member 31 and the wedge into a position engaging both conductors asshown in FIG. 6. Then the bottom of pole means P is struck a. sharp blow with a hammer, operators hand or suitable object, and the reaction from the blow causes firing pin 36 to engage primer 54 with sufiicient force to cause detonation. This ignites the powder charge 40 and the plug 39 is driven upwardly, forcing the plunger 35 ahead of it. This causes linkage means L to drive the driving member 31 forwardly and wedge W into the connector body C, thereby tightly securing the conductors MC and TC between the wedge W and connector body C as shown in FIG. 7.

After the connection is made, the handle 52 is moved to release the locking means M by means of another pole so that conductor TC is released therefrom, and by a slight pull on pole means P the connector body C is releasedfrom the grip of resilient fingers 11'.

Turning now to FIGS. 8-10, there is shown a second embodiment of a tool to explosively drive a wedge W Within a connector body C in order to secure a tap conductor TC to a main conductor MC. This embodiment comprises a tool including a body member B and a firing mechanism F. Since the firing mechanism F' is the same as that of firing mechanism F, no description of firing mechanism F is deemed necessary and only would be superfluous.

Body member B comprises a plate 53 having a vertical slot 54 and an arcuate slot 55 disposed therein. Forward of arcuate slot 55 is a recessed portion 56 into which a connector body is to be disposed. A holding member 57 is mounted on the top part of plate 53 adjacent recessed portion 56, but, of course, can be an integral part of plate 53. Above arcuate slot 55 is a hook member 58 adapted to hook over the main conductor to suspend the tool thereon while effecting the connection.

Bottom section 53 of plate 53 has a threaded hole therein in which barrel 33' of firing mechanism F is threadably engaged. A bifurcated member 59 is disposed in a channel section 60 of bottom section 53', and is connected to a plunger (not shown) such as disclosed in connection with FIGS. 1-7. A link 61 is pivotally connected at one end to member 59 by pivot pin 62. An extension 62' of pivot pin 62 extends through slot 54 to guide and limit the movement of bifurcated member 59.

A driving member 63 for driving the wedge is pivotally mounted on plate 53. Driving member 63 includes a pivot pin 64 at the end of arm 65 for pivotally mounting driving member 63 under recessed portion 56. At the other end of arm 65 is a bifurcated portion 66 into which the other end of link 61 is pivotally connected by pivot pin 67. Driving member 63 further comprises an extension 68 having a driving portion 69 extending through arcuate slot 55. Driving portion 69 is on the opposite side of plate 53 than arm 65, and is parallel therewith.

A wedge-holding means H is mounted over arcuate slot '55 and includes a plate 70 which has spaced legs 71 at the backportion thereof, through which securing means 72, such as a screw, secures the wedge-holding means onto plate 53. Driving portion 69 passes between the space provided by legs 71. The bottom of plate 70' is turned inwardly toward plate 53 in order to provide an abutment against whicha side of the wedge engages. The wedge-holding means H is resiliently disposed toward plate 53 in order to resiliently hold the wedge therebetween.

Driving portion 69 has a projection 69' extending forwardly thereof in order to hold the wedge and prevent same from falling off the tool once it has moved beyond the wedge-holding means.

A clamping means M is provided on the tool and includes an engaging member 73 disposed in a small recessed portion 56' in communication with the rear portion of recessed portion 56. Engaging member 73 is integral with a shaft 73 which is movably mounted in a hole in plate 53 and in comunication with recessed portion 56'. A lever 74 is secured to shaft 73. A projection 53" extends outwardly from plate 53 below the forward part of lever 74, and has a threaded hole therein in which a bolt 75 is threadably disposed. One end of bolt 75 engages lever 74 while the other end has an eye which is adapted to be engaged by a pole having a hook in order to turn the bolt so as to release the connector body after it has connected the conductors together via the wedge. A spring 6 means 76 is interconnected between lever 74 and plate 53 to bias lever 74 against bolt 75.

Extending outwardly from arm 65 and opposite to pivot pin 64 is a projection 64' having a hole therethrough. Bolt 75 is disposed in the hole of projection 64' in order to obviate the bolt breaking off projection 53".

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is the same as that of FIGS. 1-7, except that the driving portion in the former moves in an arcuate path, whereas the driving member in the latter moves in a straight path.

Also, the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 hasless working,

parts than that of FIGS. 1-7. It can be discerned that there has been disclosed explosively-operated tools to effect an excellent connection of a tap conductor to an energized main conductor without the operator having to climb any utility pole to accomplish same.

While the present invention is to be utilized in energized line installations, it is to be understood that it can be employed with equally satisfactory results in applying connectors to wires, rods and cables in their de-energized condition, as well as with similar members which are never intended to be energized as the connection of a secondary cable means onto an existing cable means.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that the afore-mentioned and other desirable objects have been achieved; however, it should be emphasized that the particular embodiment of the invention, which is shown and described herein, is intended as merely illustrative and not as restrictive of the invention.

I claim:

1. A device for connecting a secondary cable means onto an existing cable means comprising tool means including means for holding a connector member which is adapted to engage said existing cable and in which said secondary cable means is disposed, means for holdinga wedge member adapted to be driven into said connector member to wedge said cable means thereto, driving means engaging said wedge member to drive same into said connector member along a straight path, explosive means operatively connected to said driving means to operate same, and pole means connected to said explosive means for raising said tool means to the level of said existing cable and to actuate said explosive means.

.2. A device according to claim 1 wherein clamping means are provided adjacent said connector member-holding means to clamp said connector member therein until the connection is effected.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein locking means are provided on said tool means which are spaced from said connector member-holding means and in which said secondary cable means is locked until the connection is effected.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said locking means is adjustable to different positions on said tool and with respect to itself.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said driving means and wedge-holding means are interconnected and said wedge-holding means is moved from an inoperative position to an operative position by said driving means.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein said driving means includes link means adjustable by said explosive means to move said wedge into engagement with said cable means prior to said explosive means being actuated.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein said wedgeholding means is movable from an operative position to an inoperative position.

8. In a tool adapted to be raised to the level of an existing line for connecting thereto another line, frame means having holding means on said tool adapted to hold a connector member therein, said connector member having the other line disposed therein and which engages the existing line when the tool is raised to the level thereof, other holding means mounted on said frame means for holding a wedge which is adapted to be driven within said connector member to secure said lines thereto, ex-

plosively-driven means on said tool adapted to engage and drive said wedge into said connector member, and pole means connected to said tool to raise same to the level of said existing line and to actuate said explosively-driven means.

9. In a tool according to claim 8 wherein said explosively-driven means includes barrel means in which an explosive shell is disposed.

10. In a tool according to claim 9 wherein said explosively-driven means includes a linkage means operatively connected to said barrel means.

11. In a tool according to claim 10 wherein said barrel means is adjustable to position said linkage means.

12. In a tool according to claim 11 wherein said linkage means has a plunger means connected thereto which is disposed in said barrel means and is adapted to actuate a primer of said explosive shell.

13. A device for connecting a tap line to a main energized electrical power line comprising tool means having means for holding a connector means in which said tap line is disposed, means spaced from said connector-holding means for holding a wedge means, driving means engaging said wedge means for driving said wedge means along a straight path into said connector means, explosive means operatively connected to said driving means to drive same, and pole means connected to said explosive means for raising said tool means to the level of said main power line so that said connector means engages same and to actuate said explosive means.

14. A device according to claim 13 wherein said wedgeholding means is operatively connected to said driving means to move said wedge-holding means from an inoperative position to an operative position.

15. A device according to claim 13 wherein locking means are disposed contiguous said wedge-holding means for locking said tap line therein until the lines are secured to said connector means.

1 6. A device for connecting a tap line to a main energized electrical power line comprising tool means having frame means provided with holding means for holding a connector means in which said tap line is disposed, other holding means mounted on said frame means and spaced from said connector-holding means for holding a wedge means, driving means engaging said wedge means for driving said wedge means along an arcuate path into said connector means, explosive means operatively connected to said driving means to drive same, and pole means connected to said explosive means for raising said tool means to the level of said main power line so that said connector means engages same and to actuate said explosive means.

17. A device according to claim 16 wherein clamping means are disposed contiguous said connector-holding means for clamping said connector means in said connector-holding means until the lines are secured to said connector means.

18. An explosively-operated device for driving a wedge member into a connector body to interconnect a tap line to an existing power line comprising a frame, clamp means on said frame for holding the connector body in position to receive the wedge member, holding means mounted on said frame for holding the wedge member in position to be driven into the connector body, driving means on said frame and connected to said holding means for driving said holding means from a position to receive the wedge member to the position the wedge member is to be driven into the connector body, explosively-actuated means on said frame for explosively actuating said driving means to forcefully drive the wedge member within the connector body, and pole means to move said device to the power line to place the connector body on the power line and connected to said explosively-actuated means to actuate said explosively-actuated means thereby driving the wedge member within the connector body and between the power line and the tap line within the connector body to interconnect the power line and the tap line.

19. A tool for driving a wedge member into a housing member for connecting a secondary line to a primary line comprising frame means having housing member holding means thereon to hold the housing member in position to receive the wedge member, driving means mounted on said frame member, wedge member holding means mounted on said frame means adjacent said driving means for holding the wedge member in position so that said driving means can drive the wedge member into the housing member, explosive means operatively connected to said driving means to operate same, and means to raise said tool to the level of the primary line with a section of the secondary line disposed in the housing member so that the housing member can be positioned on the primary line and said explosive means can be actuated to drive said driving means to drive the wedge member into the housing member to connect the primary and secondary lines together.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,212,535 10/1965 Broske -113 3,292,665 132/1966 Broske 140-113 1,871,321 8/1932 Hayford 72-451 2,302,647 11/1942 Temple 140-113 2,677,981 5/1954 Temple 140-113 2,716,813 9/1955 Smyros 227-10 3,017,905 1/1962 Klein 140-113 3,212,534 10/1965 Broske 140-113 3,235,944 2/1966 Broske 29-526 CHARLES W. LANHAM, Primary Examiner G. P. CROSBY, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

